Peak body warns of workforce gaps

Engineers Australia says the upcoming federal election is a chance to catch up on workforce gaps.

The group is calling on all federal election candidates to commit to policies that will address critical workforce shortages, warning that without action, the delivery of major infrastructure projects will be at risk.

The country’s peak engineering body, representing over 130,000 members, says Australia’s infrastructure, energy and manufacturing priorities cannot be met without a skilled and diverse workforce.

“Australia’s future economic prosperity will depend on a skilled and diversified workforce with strong engineering capabilities, to support the energy transition to net zero, the delivery of critical infrastructure, and the revolution of AI and robotics improving productivity,” said Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew.

But barriers remain, particularly for women and migrant engineers. Only 16 per cent of qualified engineers and 19 per cent of engineering graduates in Australia are women. Many migrant engineers struggle to find work in their field despite high demand.

“We are underutilising talented engineers who bring experience and expertise from overseas. Some of them wind up as Uber drivers or baristas when they can’t secure a job commensurate with their engineering expertise. Meanwhile, critical projects are demanding engineering skills. With concerted and imaginative support, government and industry can unlock the talent that will drive Australia forward so we can shine in a competitive global marketplace,” said Engineers Australia Acting Chief Engineer Bernadette Foley.

Engineers Australia is calling for immediate action from the next Federal Government to remove workforce barriers and implement long-term strategies that support a sustainable pipeline of engineering talent.

Madew said the profession needs policy settings that support the growth needed to keep pace with national infrastructure needs.

“We are encouraged by the comments made by Minister Ed Husic that his government will adopt all 11 Pathways to Diversity in STEM recommendations, but we would like to see more detail on that commitment,” she said.

The organisation plans to release its Engineering Tomorrow report next month, calling for the establishment of a national advisory council, stronger workplace inclusion policies, and increased promotion of STEM in schools.